Baby Maggie update - 28 weeks
Hi everyone:
Whereas Maggie's heart function had been stable for the past couple of months, this morning the cardiologist identified an occasional arrhythmia. This is not necessarily troublesome in a baby with a healthy heart. In a baby with a heart defect, however, an irregular heart rhythm is a serious development that can lead to heart failure. I am starting heart medication tonight in hopes that it will pass through the placenta to help regulate her heart rate. The doctors are monitoring both little Maggie & me closely. At one point today we thought I would have to be admitted while I start the medication. We were very thankful when the doctors decided I did not have to stay at the hospital. I don't think I have ever been so grateful to come home to wrangle the kids & make dinner! Our normal family routine felt like nothing short of a gift tonight.
Maggie's liver is starting to be affected by her decreased heart function. Additionally one of her heart ventricles appears to be enlarged now, which means two of the four chambers are now being affected. The gravity of the valve defect discovered weeks ago is starting to show its ugly head.
On a happier note, Maggie is growing. I rejoice in every ounce she packs on.
Please pray that the heart medication helps regulate her (occasionally too fast) heart rhythm. Pray, too, that my body tolerates the medication well so I can keep taking it to help our baby. Finally, please pray that Greg & I can experience peace beyond understanding in the face of these developments. I'm feeling very much like Peter did when Jesus invited him to walk across the water. This water we're being asked to navigate is deep & scary. We are kept afloat by our faith that someday, somehow the glory will be revealed. When that faith wavers - even for the smallest fraction of a second! - we feel ourselves sinking.
We had another round of specialist appointments today for little Maggie. It was not our best day.
Whereas Maggie's heart function had been stable for the past couple of months, this morning the cardiologist identified an occasional arrhythmia. This is not necessarily troublesome in a baby with a healthy heart. In a baby with a heart defect, however, an irregular heart rhythm is a serious development that can lead to heart failure. I am starting heart medication tonight in hopes that it will pass through the placenta to help regulate her heart rate. The doctors are monitoring both little Maggie & me closely. At one point today we thought I would have to be admitted while I start the medication. We were very thankful when the doctors decided I did not have to stay at the hospital. I don't think I have ever been so grateful to come home to wrangle the kids & make dinner! Our normal family routine felt like nothing short of a gift tonight.
Maggie's liver is starting to be affected by her decreased heart function. Additionally one of her heart ventricles appears to be enlarged now, which means two of the four chambers are now being affected. The gravity of the valve defect discovered weeks ago is starting to show its ugly head.
On a happier note, Maggie is growing. I rejoice in every ounce she packs on.
Please pray that the heart medication helps regulate her (occasionally too fast) heart rhythm. Pray, too, that my body tolerates the medication well so I can keep taking it to help our baby. Finally, please pray that Greg & I can experience peace beyond understanding in the face of these developments. I'm feeling very much like Peter did when Jesus invited him to walk across the water. This water we're being asked to navigate is deep & scary. We are kept afloat by our faith that someday, somehow the glory will be revealed. When that faith wavers - even for the smallest fraction of a second! - we feel ourselves sinking.
We appreciate every single one of your prayers. Truly.
Gratefully yours,
Jamie
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